Does a medical professionals title really speak value into the abilities they may be capable of or should the focus be on the longevity factor of here and now and providing the stepping stones to continuous education? Those who want to pursue nursing are faced with a common dilemma -- whether to get a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) degree or a Registered Nurse (RN) degree.The choice is easy actually, and depends on the individual’s current situation. If the primary goal is seeking a degree that can be finished more quickly and then get work right after, an LPN degree is the more practical choice or move forward with more time to spend in school but with the future holding greater opportunities, an RN degree would definitely be the right path.
The question is, is the choice really that simple when the future is unknown?Despite the differences accompanied with LPN and RN, they do share one major similarity and that is to provide care to patients/clients across the life span of their practice, which is among itself regardless of which title an individual may possess a major contribution to any facility. One difference between LPNs and RNs is their requirements in education. The first gateway to enter the LPN career is to finish a training program. LPN nursing schools and educational programs typically involve one year of study and training at a hospital, community college or technical vocational school.Courses focus on practical training with standard coursework which covers: biology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, emergency medical technology, first aid, physical education, foods and nutrition, child growth and development, in addition to supervised clinical practice in patient care.
Students should bear in mind that the program they choose must be approved by their state's Board of Nursing in order for them to qualify for nursing licensure. Usually after earning a nursing degree through a state-approved program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).Individual states administer this exam to qualifying candidates which requires a good grasp of nursing concepts, a lot of study time and a good study guide for essential preparation. One great aspect is that later on in the professionals’ career a decision can be made to become a registered nurse (RN) through an LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN program, credit for the course work completed during licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse training. Plus, experience as a nurse can help in testing out of some classes, saving time and money.
Registered Nurses on the other hand, require more time in school but can choose between a two year associates degree or four-year bachelors program. Two-year associate’s degree focuses more on technical skills than theory and is often a stepping stone to the BSN program. The associate’s degree allows a student to become a registered nurse and earn money more quickly than a four-year BSN program, so most of the time it ends up working better for many students with children, those providing for large families, or those just striving to support themselves.However, the four year BSN is the preferred entry-level nursing program by most nursing leaders because it provides the best opportunities in today’s job market (http://bhpr. hrsa. gov/healthworkforce/rnsurvey/2008/nssrn2008.
pdf). This option also offers the ability to advance into other opportunities such as: Charge Nurse/Head Nurse, and with additional training; Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Mid-Wife, Nurse Anesthetists and Clinical nurse specialists or even pursue a Masters/Pre-Med program.Similar to the LPN program a RN must also pass a national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN). With all nursing degrees education requirements vary based on state, and a nurse may sometimes be required to take the local NCLEX-RN examination to work in a new state, so researching the requirements of that state should be one of the first obligations in planning.
Another difference between LPNs and RNs is their primary roles in caring for the patients. Licensed Practical Nurses perform basic patient care.They initially have to attend to patients and his or her responsibility would include: collecting lab samples, taking blood for required tests, feeding patients, applying bandages and dressings, inserting catheters, taking vital signs, and gathering patient information. In addition, these LPNs will also assist the patients for their personal hygiene or even provide rubs or massages.
An LPN is also responsible in reporting to and assisting a registered nurse.However, LPNs are not allowed to assess patients but rather collect data regarding the patient which still requires this nurse to remain under direct supervision of the Physician and/or RN. (http://bhpr. hrsa. gov/healthworkforce/reports/nursing/lpn/default. htm) Registered Nurses responsibilities and duties are often determined by their work setting but regardless of work setting or specialty they continue to perform the most important duties for the patient.
RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illnesses or injuries, explaining post-treatment home care needs; diet, nutrition, and exercise programs; and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs may work to promote general health by educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of disease. RNs also might run general health screening or immunization clinics, blood drives, and public seminars on various conditions. When caring for patients, RNs establish a care plan or contribute to an existing plan.Plans may include numerous activities, such as administering medication, including careful checking of dosages and avoiding interactions; starting, maintaining, and discontinuing intravenous (IV) lines for fluid, medication, blood, and blood products; administering therapies and treatments; observing the patient and recording those observations; and consulting with physicians and other healthcare clinicians. Depending on where an RN is employed, RNs may be responsible for supervising and overseeing the work of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nursing aids.
Individuals in these professions, which perform similar duties to RNs, have less education and have not passed national or state licensing exams to which RNs are subject. Supervisory duties of the RN include basics like scheduling and training, but may also include monitoring and assisting aides work and assigning them to specific patients as needed. The third and most controversial difference between LPN and RN is salary, with RN earning more income across the board. Licensed Practical Nurses can earn a very decent living.The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2009, licensed practical nurses earned an average annual salary between $33,920 and $47,220. Wages vary based on industry, with LPNs and LVNs in employment services earning the highest median annual salary of $46,190.
Nursing care facilities and home health care services offer the next highest median salaries at $42,320 and $42,300, respectively.In hospitals, LPNs and LVNs can earn $39,980 annually, and at physician's offices, their median annual salary is $36,770. http://www. bls. gov/bls/blswage.
htm) This proves that based on the current economic hardships an LPN can still be proud of the fact that the time spent in getting the specific training in nursing was a wise choice. Registered Nurses are the epitome of more responsibility, more pay. The income of a registered nurse is influenced by location, education and experience. Results from a survey in 2009, conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed that the average income of a nurse practicing in the United States is $63,750.The middle 50 percent earned $52,520 to $77,970. Nurses with more responsibilities or specialized experience have more opportunities for advancement and an increase in salary.
Medical Equipment, Supplies Manufacturing and Federal Branches offer the next highest median salaries at $77,870 to $77,830. In hospitals, RNs can earn $67,740 annually, and at physicians’ offices, their median annual salary is 67,290. (http://www. bls. gov/bls/blswage.
tm) There is no doubt that an RN earns a higher income then LPNs but this difference is offset by the amount of time spent in school and the responsibilities required which ties everything together. In closing, the encyclopedia gives a great definition of nursing, “Nursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, an communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death. ” (http://www. britannica.
com) This aspect is generally the main focus in both of these medical titles.So now that the career of choice has been determined which involves caring for and helping people, the next thing to determined is if there is a willingness to put in the time and effort it will take to become a Registered Nurse, which requires a multitude of responsibility but great reward or whether Licensed Practical Nursing is reward enough with minimal time put forth in the quest to becoming a nursing professional. When all concepts are weighed against one another the time is worth the reward of becoming a registered nurse, with more job, salary, and continuing education opportunities. The old cliche holds true, “patience is a virtue”.
